YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2021 Reflection

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2021 Reflection https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:27:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Zaeobi on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2252761 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:28:24 +0000 Zaeobi 2252761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wonderful job on hitting your goals - looks like your careful planning is paying off Please ignore me if you're already aware of this brand, but just wanted to share that Gender Free World is a UK company that does 'masculine clothes cut for a female body'. They have 4 different fit categories for their clothes (including busty or 'hippy'), so both masculine & feminine presenting bodies can be comfy in the same clothing. I haven't used them myself but the reviews on their website seem to be glowing! TL;DR: GFW do fun printed cotton shirts that are cut to avoid bust gaping - the holy grail! Stagiaire Fash on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2252503 Sat, 19 Feb 2022 22:42:37 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2252503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for this post. I’ve enjoyed seeing you stretch out and embrace your life this year. So cool to read this summation. It is just oozing with self-confidence and accepting who you are are without having to smack anyone over the head with the punk or the goth or the black or the colors or the androgyny. It’s all just there, quietly, and is part of you. Really like that you’re absorbing the non-scarcity approach to clothes that fit too. Wishing you a great 2022. PS. About the Kon Mari, I wanted to ask if you’ll be moving. Kaelyn on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2252485 Sat, 19 Feb 2022 20:59:01 +0000 Kaelyn 2252485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My apologies for the delay in responding--my life has gotten quite busy of late so I've been doing a lot of lurking! :) Angie - Yes, I do still bat for Team Orange! I really have got to get more orange pieces this year. I'm waiting for exactly the right ones, though, so if they come, they come, and if not, I'll keep enjoying my dress and scarf. rachylou - Thank you! I'm glad it feels more personalized. I'm excited to play even more this year and keep evolving. I'll be writing up a post about spring inspiration and shopping soon, but check my finds for a sneak peak if you'd like. ;) Runcarla - Thank you so much! I have been really enjoying the bag, along with a small canvas tote I got on a whim at Old Navy that says "Treat her right" on it with an earth graphic. Helena - Wow, thank you! It's nice to hear how my posts come across to others because sometimes I second guess myself about how I'm doing overall. 2021 was a great year for understanding myself better in many ways, and 2022 is off to a great start as well. Jaime - I certainly am! I'm excited to see where this year takes me. RobinF - Thank you for reading! :) nemosmom - Yes, it does feel like a sweet spot! I've had some more recent revelations that will lead to more change, but I have a good idea of how many pieces I need to feel right and what is needed for a functional wardrobe for me. I have no orphans now, which is great! suntiger - Yes, our wedding will be on 4/3! I'm so excited! But also amazed by how quickly the time flew. Staysfit - Thank you so much! :) Sal - Ha, yes, it really did feel like a unicorn, but the white tees have been working quite well! They may not be exactly what everyone needs in a white tee, but they're just right for me. MsMaven - I'm so glad my reflection reasonated with you! Regarding your question, I think it is possible to have masculine clothes cut for a female body, but there's not much motivation for retailers to make it happen. There are some indie brands that cater to trans people, which is great! One that keeps popping up is a shoe brand that makes masc shoes for people with small feet (not useful for me, with my women's 10-10.5-or-11-depending-on-the-brand feet, but I'm glad it exists). Bijou - Thank you for the kind words! :) Suz - Thank you for the encouragement! The beautiful thing about the sweater vests is they can easily be made to look more masculine by wearing them over a collared shirt with a tie, or more feminine by wearing them over a blouse or tee with a necklace. They're so versatile, even more-so than I expected when I decided to buy them. Suz on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2245217 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 05:55:22 +0000 Suz 2245217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kaelyn, this is such a great set of reflections. You thought hard, did the soul-searching, checked in with yourself about what feels good and what gives you pleasure, and your wardrobe is shaping up beautifully! I love you in burgundy, and think it's a terrific neutral for you. I also really love those vests in the Finds—they strike just the right androgynous balance, to my eye.  I did the same thing with Finds that you are doing, i.e. I started simply by capturing my purchases and didn't worry for a long time about including older items. Eventually, if I kept them, I began to add them in .In your case, since your size is changing, it makes even more sense to simply add things as you get them.  Also, what Helena said. You express yourself so articulately and have given your wardrobe such considered thought. It's a joy to read your posts.  Bijou on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2245203 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 00:50:51 +0000 Bijou 2245203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kaelyn, it is wonderful to see you in such a great place, not just in your wardrobe, but in your life. The wardrobe additions are fabulous and burgundy is a beautiful neutral on you. MsMaven on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2245116 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 05:52:21 +0000 MsMaven 2245116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ “The closet isn’t too small: you have too many clothes.” Wow, this one sentence really hit home. I enjoyed your analysis. <div> </div><div>Another idea that you have given spurs the question: Is it possible to have masculine clothes cut for a female body? Something I was thinking about in going back into the world, but now it looks like that is delayed again. Thanks for your analysis. You’ve inspired some ideaswant to work on next year.</div> Sal on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2245109 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 01:39:36 +0000 Sal 2245109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well Done Kaelyn - I agree with Helena that your contentment and patience is coming through in your posts.  Being engaged must be suiting you - and so great you can both konmari together. The perfect white tee - I thought that was a unicorn? Staysfit on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2245037 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 12:11:05 +0000 Staysfit 2245037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kaelyn, I enjoyed reading your insightful and heartfelt review.  Congratulations on meeting so many of your goals. I wish you much success as you continue to hone your style in 2022. <div> </div><div> <div><div>   </div></div></div> Anonymous on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2245030 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:24:51 +0000 Anonymous 2245030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay to KonMari-ing! And I'm with you with burgundy as a neutral. Sounds like a great style year for you! Have you set a wedding date yet? Anonymous on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2245022 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:42:27 +0000 Anonymous 2245022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have done a wonderful job of using your goals.  You are wise to purge what does not fit and what you no longer like as much as you once did.  <div>I enjoy my large wardrobe but wish I were happy with less.  I very seldom wear the exact same outfit.  Today I wore a forest green sweater with olive pants and a red quilted vest and pulled it together with a plaid scarf.  I liked it but would never have put this together last year.  In the past I would wear the dark green top with a neutral or maybe burgundy, not olive.  I really need some olive socks.  You gave us a fun and inspiring read.</div> nemosmom on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2244873 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:20:39 +0000 nemosmom 2244873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You had a really successful year! Honing it down to what you love and what truly speaks to you, is pure #wardrobegoals!  It sounds like you have hit the perfect sweet spot between what you want and what to add and I can't wait to see how it evolves for you next year.  RobinF on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2244871 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 13:52:03 +0000 RobinF 2244871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like you are on a really good path. Thanks for sharing. Jaime on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2244837 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 02:41:52 +0000 Jaime 2244837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds excellent and fun to read too! You sound pleased with where you are style wise and inspired to continue.  Helena on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2244829 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 01:23:55 +0000 Helena 2244829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kaelyn, every post you've done this year has radiated contentment, self-confidence and a clear but flexible style direction ... well, well done and keep updating and sharing when you can! Very inspiring! Carla on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2244825 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 01:05:15 +0000 Carla 2244825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very nicely done, Kaelyn.  Lovely little brown bag in your Finds, BTW rachylou on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2244818 Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:36:14 +0000 rachylou 2244818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve really enjoyed your style evolution this year… it feels more personalised, more ‘original,’ if you will, to me. Those are not quite the right words tho. Angie on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2244812 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 23:55:01 +0000 Angie 2244812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *Applause* WOW. A great success! Beautiful new stash! Kaelyn, you did great! This was well articulated, and soul searched. And you reaped the rewards. WELL DONE. This lays an excellent foundation for 2022 style goal setting. I look forward to seeing your grown-out hair, and more of your androgynous style! Do you still bat for Team Orange? Kaelyn on "2021 Reflection" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-reflection#post-2244808 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 23:22:55 +0000 Kaelyn 2244808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's been a really good year for me, style-wise, and I'm looking forward to an even better one in 2022. My 2021 Style Goals were: <ul> <li>Buy and dress for comfort <ul> <li>I wanted to purchase bras without underwire, and I did; I've started wearing TomboyX sports bras every day and I LOVE them. I'm going to need to buy the next size down due to weight loss, but I'm quite happy with them. I may choose to go back to underwire after I'm done losing weight, but right now, all I care about is comfort and budget.</li> <li>I wanted to get a pair of sneakers that are perfect for my feet... and while I didn't do it YET, I've decided to give New Balance a go. My fiancée got a pair of their sneakers and a pair of their hiking boots for her exceptionally fussy feet, and they've literally changed her life. This goal for me will extend into 2022.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Reduce my wardrobe size <ul> <li>HUGE success. I did a "doesn't fit anymore" purge in the summer, then a "do I actually like it?" purge a few weeks ago. My fiancée and I are doing KonMari and I love it. It was a big help for getting to a comfortable wardrobe size. I think I've finally internalized the idea that clothing in my size is more abundant than ever, and the right items WILL come to me eventually... no need to hold onto things too long, or settle for not quite right. </li> </ul> </li> <li>Embrace eclecticism <ul> <li>I didn't play with eclecticism much this year, but will strive to do it more in 2022. What I did instead was really figure out what aesthetics I currently enjoy, as opposed to used to enjoy but no longer desire. For example, some soul searching made me realize that I'm less drawn to goth and punk styles than I used to be and am much happier incorporating some of those elements into a generally more modern classic look. I still have so much love for Docs, though; as a child of the 90s, I don't see that changing. ;) </li> </ul> </li> <li>Add more neutrals <ul> <li>I was definitely successful in this endeavor. I managed to acquire black bootcut jeans, which have become a workhorse. I've added a little dark brown (yay, Botkier bag!) and, surprisingly, white. At Universal Standard, I finally found the perfect white tee that is soft, bright, and not too thin and transparent. I'd like to add more white, but sparingly. I'm also realizing that I use burgundy as a neutral, much like olive green; given that, I did acquire more of my burgundy "neutral": a burgundy fedora, purchased this weekend in Helen, GA.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Maybe add colors</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I've indulged my craving of more color by adding a red and white (really, I think it's more orange than red) striped tee, a teal and seafoam striped tee, a lavender and white sweater vest, and a royal blue knit top, off the top of my head. The burgundy fedora can count as color, too, even though it feels like a neutral to me.</li> </ul> All in all, I feel good about my goal-following this year. A few other things I'm happy about that weren't explicitly made into goals at the beginning of the year are: <ul> <li>I was highly selective with new purchases. I took the time to check my measurements, and when I received garments, I made sure I was happy with the fit before committing to keeping them. I passed on a lot of items I liked but that were out of my budget, not quite right, or I realized I'd have wanted in the past, but not right now. Everything I bought this year, except for the fedora for which I'll need to create a custom find, is attached to this post.</li> <li>I updated many wardrobe basics and essentials to suit my comfort needs and my changing body. I'm going to do some more soon, including socks and blue jeans.</li> <li>I've been striving to add purchases to YLF Finds right away, and I've done well with that. Instead of trying to get my entire current wardrobe into Finds, I'm just adding NEW things, because a lot that I currently own will not remain in my wardrobe as my body changes. Why do all the extra labor, especially when my apartment gets pretty poor light for photography? ;)</li> <li>I've been growing out my hair, which has been enjoyable. I loved having it short for the last several years, but I'm enjoying the medium length it currently is. I've also gone back to my natural dark brown instead of keeping up with rainbow colors because I go see my stylist less frequently due to the pandemic and physical distance. I have a feeling I'll want to experiment with color again in the future, but it's been refreshing to have my hair dark again. It's also fun watching the grey hairs come in one at a time.</li> </ul> Finally, here are a few lessons learned: <ul> <li>I'm far more comfortable wearing clothes that make small but impactful statements than I am in anything super flashy. Flashy stuff feels like a costume on me, so I'll enjoy those looks on others who wear them with panache.</li> <li>Day to day, I wear about 3 types of outfits with interchangeable components. Like most humans, I don't actually need as many options as I THINK I do. I'm not quite a uniform dresser, but I'm more toward that end of the spectrum than the needs-loads-of-variety end.</li> <li>I'm over (most) menswear. I'm happiest with fairly androgynous items, with the occasional overtly masculine or feminine item thrown in. And I feel much more attractive in clothing that is cut for feminine bodies in most cases. That said, I do enjoy rocking a necktie at a formal event, and I love men's dress shoes and women's shoes inspired by men's dress shoes.</li> <li>The closet isn't too small; you just have too many clothes. (This is true for me, not necessarily for others; someone who enjoys a large wardrobe would absolutely hate my tiny walk-in closet and, more-so, the SUPER tiny closet I had at my parents' house.)</li> </ul> I'll create my style goals for 2022 soon. I think the themes will center around my weight/body change, staying in my ideal wardrobe size range, and creating/refining mix and match capsules comprised of the things I love to wear most. I also want to continue to shop the way I shopped this year, because it felt DEAD RIGHT for me and led to wardrobe additions I really love to wear. Thanks for reading! I'm excited to check out everyone else's end of year posts. They're some of my absolute favorites on this forum.